International Program in Medicine

About

The University of Crete School of Medicine offers a program designed for international students to become well-trained, professional, and compassionate doctors. The program is fully taught in English and combines a strong foundation in the mechanisms of disease with extensive clinical training. Throughout their studies, students have the opportunity to engage in research and participate in international exchanges through Erasmus+ and other programs.

Overview

The International Program in Medicine at the University of Crete School of Medicine offers a rigorous, globally-oriented medical education. The program is designed to shape future physicians with a strong foundation in science, ethics, and clinical care.

Program Objectives

• Establish a comprehensive understanding of human physiology and the mechanisms of disease.
• Develop core clinical skills and professional competencies based on state of the art technologies for the practice of medicine.
• Emphasize the ethical principles underpinning all medical procedures.
• Instill a deep sense of duty and responsibility to both the patient and society.

Learning Outcomes & Clinical Competencies

Scientific & Medical Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of the structure and organization of the human body.
• Mastery of physiological mechanisms that regulate organ and system function.
• Comprehension of pathophysiological processes and disease pathogenesis.
• Familiarity with epidemiological trends and preventive medicine principles.

Clinical Skills

• Proficient in taking complete medical histories and conducting physical examinations.
• Effective communication with patients and their families.
• Identification and diagnostic evaluation of diseases.
• Understanding of the principles of treatment and patient management.

Join a World-Class Medical Journey at the University of Crete

With a strong tradition of over 40 years in medical education, the University of Crete School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top institutions internationally—and is recognized as a leading medical school in Greece. Having small classes, approximately 30 students per year, the program offers personalised training and supports students on every step of their studies.

The Program is fully accredited from the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) according to Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). Graduates can practice Medicine in Europe and anywhere in the world.

Located on a modern, fully equipped campus, the School offers direct access to the University Hospital, cutting-edge research laboratories, and comprehensive student facilities. These include a dedicated Student Center, a library, a state-of-the-art gym, and indoor swimming pool—supporting both academic and personal development.

Students benefit from an integrated learning environment, with classrooms, research labs, and clinical facilities all under one roof. This unique setup allows students to participate in research and gain early exposure to clinical practice from the very first years of study.

Develop into a skilled, ethical, and forward-thinking physician through a curriculum that blends academic excellence with practical, real-world medical training—all set on the stunning and historic island of Crete, in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Program Structure

The program spans 6 years (12 semesters) and awards a total of 360 ECTS credits. It is structured into three distinct academic cycles:

1. Basic Sciences Cycle (Years 1–2)

In the first two years, students build a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and more. Early exposure to patient care is introduced through courses in Public Health.

2. Pre-Clinical Cycle (Years 3–4)

This phase prepares students for clinical practice through in-depth courses in Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Radiology/Medical Imaging, Internal Medicine, Surgery and more, alongside initial hands-on clinical training in both Internal Medicine and Surgery.

3. Clinical Cycle (Years 5–6)

Conducted entirely at the University Hospital, the Clinical Cycle offers comprehensive training across all major medical specialties. Students rotate through all clinical departments, gaining extensive practical experience in real-world healthcare settings.

Additional Learning Opportunities

• Elective Courses: Over 42 elective courses are available throughout the program, allowing students to explore advanced topics and recent developments in medical science.
• Tutorials: The program includes tutorials designed to support students from diverse academic backgrounds.
• Greek Language Preparation: Greek language courses are provided at no additional cost, equipping students with the basic language skills needed to effectively participate in clinical training from the third year onward.
• Study Advisor: Each student is assigned a study advisor for academic and professional guidance throughout their studies.
• Exchange Programs: Through the Erasmus+ program and a dedicated program organized by the University of Crete and collaborating Universities in USA, students have the opportunity to participate in short-term exchange programs throughout the world.

Funding

The International Program in Medicine offers merit-based financial support to students as part of the ‘Teaching Assistanship’ program from the second year of studies onwards. Outstanding students can provide teaching assistantship to earlier year students in laboratories and tutorials. Need-based scholarships can also be awarded during the last two years of studies, on exceptional, case-dependent basis.

About the University

The University of Crete School of Medicine admitted its first students in 1984. Situated approximately 5 km from Heraklion’s city center, it stands as one of Greece’s premier medical and research complexes. The campus includes a spacious and functional 24,000 square meter, ten-wing building and a modern, well-equipped 700 bed University Hospital, sports facilities and student center. Being all located within the University Campus in Heraklion, students benefit from direct and immediate interaction with their professors, easy access to clinical and research facilities, which include over 40 clinical departments and units and 50 research laboratories.

Medical Students are trained by experienced faculty at the University Hospital of Heraklion, in a large number of Primary Health Care Centers, and in collaborating hospitals in Crete. Students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research at the laboratories of the Medical School of the University of Crete and at the collaborating Foundation for Research and Technology, a world-renowned Research Institute located adjacent to the University Campus. Medical Students also benefit from a strong exchange program that includes a large network of prominent Medical Schools and Hospitals throughout the world.  Graduates of the University of Crete School of Medicine consistently embark on successful careers, supported by a wide global network of alumni.